Maui County Public Records /Maui County Court Records

Maui County Court Records

What Is Maui County Court Records

Court records in Maui County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of case-related information maintained by the Hawaii State Judiciary's Second Circuit, which serves Maui County. Pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes § 92F-12, court records generally include:

Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other filed documents
Docket sheets chronicling all actions taken in a case
Judicial orders and final judgments
Hearing and trial transcripts
Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
Sentencing information in criminal matters
Court calendars and scheduling information

Court records differ from other public records such as property deeds, vital statistics, or tax assessments, which are maintained by separate county departments. The Maui County court system includes several courts that generate and maintain records:

Circuit Court (felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $40,000)
District Court (misdemeanors, traffic violations, civil cases under $40,000)
Family Court (divorce, custody, juvenile matters)
Land Court (property registration and title matters)
Tax Appeal Court (tax dispute resolution)
Small Claims Court (civil disputes under $5,000)

These courts collectively handle civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family law matters, probate proceedings, traffic violations, and small claims disputes. The Hawaii Uniform Information Practices Act establishes the framework for public access to these records while balancing privacy concerns.

Are Court Records Public In Maui County

Court records in Maui County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Hawaii's constitutional principle of open courts and the Uniform Information Practices Act. This act establishes the presumption that government records, including court records, shall be open to public inspection unless access is restricted by law.

Under Hawaii Revised Statutes § 92F-11, "all government records are open to public inspection unless access is restricted or closed by law." The Hawaii Judiciary has implemented this mandate through the Rules of the Circuit Courts of the State of Hawaii, which govern public access to judicial records.

Records generally available for public inspection include:

Civil case files (with certain exceptions for sealed documents)
Criminal case files after formal charging
Court orders and judgments
Docket sheets and case indices
Court calendars and hearing schedules
Final opinions and orders

It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii are governed by federal access rules rather than state provisions. These records are accessible through the federal PACER system rather than state or county platforms.

Certain records may be restricted from public access, including:

Family court proceedings involving minors
Sealed records pursuant to court order
Grand jury proceedings
Certain domestic violence and restraining order cases
Records containing personal identifying information as defined in court rules

The Hawaii Supreme Court has established specific rules regarding electronic access to court records through the Hawaii Court Records Rules, which balance public access with privacy protections.

How To Find Court Records in Maui County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Maui County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The Hawaii State Judiciary provides multiple pathways for record retrieval:

In-Person Requests:

Visit the appropriate courthouse where the case was filed
Complete a record request form available at the clerk's office
Provide case information including names of parties and case number if known
Pay applicable copy fees ($1.00 per page currently)
Wait for staff to retrieve the requested documents

Second Circuit Court - Hoapili Hale
2145 Main Street
Wailuku, HI 96793
(808) 244-2929
Hawaii State Judiciary

Online Access:

Navigate to the eCourt Kokua portal
Register for an account if accessing non-public case information
Search by case number, party name, or attorney
View basic case information at no charge
Pay applicable fees for document downloads

Written Requests:

Submit a written request to the Records Department of the appropriate court
Include case information, specific documents needed, and contact information
Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery
Include payment for copy fees ($1.00 per page)

For certified copies of court documents, requestors must specifically indicate this requirement and pay additional certification fees. Pursuant to Hawaii Court Records Rule 10.2, the judiciary charges $2.00 per document for certification in addition to copy fees.

Researchers may also access archived court records by contacting:

Hawaii State Archives
Kekāuluohi Building
364 S. King Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 586-0329
Hawaii State Archives

How To Look Up Court Records in Maui County Online?

The Hawaii State Judiciary provides comprehensive online access to Maui County court records through several digital platforms. These systems allow for remote searching of case information without visiting the courthouse:

eCourt Kokua is the primary online portal for accessing court records in Maui County. This system provides access to:

Traffic cases
District Court criminal cases
Circuit Court criminal cases
Family Court criminal cases
District Court civil cases
Circuit Court civil cases
Family Court civil cases

To utilize this system:

Visit the eCourt Kokua website
Select the court type (District, Circuit, or Family)
Enter search criteria (case ID, party name, citation number)
Review the list of matching cases
Select a specific case to view detailed information
Pay applicable fees for document downloads if required

Hoʻohiki provides access to certain Family Court records:

Navigate to the Hoʻohiki portal
Accept the terms and conditions
Search by party name or case number
View non-confidential case information

JIMS Public Access (Judiciary Information Management System):

Register for a JIMS account
Log in to the system
Search for cases using available criteria
View case information according to access permissions

For criminal history records, the Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center maintains the eCrim system, which provides:

Criminal history record checks
Sex offender and other covered offender searches
Firearm registrations

Users should note that pursuant to Hawaii Court Records Rules, certain information may be redacted from online records, including social security numbers, financial account numbers, and certain personal identifiers.

How To Search Maui County Court Records for Free?

Hawaii state law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records at no cost, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. Under Hawaii Revised Statutes § 92F-11, government records, including court records, must be available for public inspection during regular business hours.

Free access options for Maui County court records include:

In-Person Inspection:

Visit the appropriate courthouse during business hours
Request to view specific case files at the clerk's office
Provide case information to facilitate retrieval
Examine documents on-site at no charge

Second Circuit Court - Hoapili Hale
2145 Main Street
Wailuku, HI 96793
(808) 244-2929
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)

Free Online Resources:

eCourt Kokua - Basic case information is available at no charge, though document downloads may incur fees
Hawaii State Judiciary Calendar - Court calendars and hearing schedules
Hawaii Appellate Court Opinions - Published opinions from the Hawaii Supreme Court and Intermediate Court of Appeals

Public Access Terminals: Computer terminals are available at the courthouse for free searching of electronic court records. These terminals provide access to:

Case information
Docket entries
Court calendars
Some document images

The Hawaii Judiciary Electronic Filing and Service System (JEFS) also provides registered attorneys and self-represented litigants with free access to their own case documents, though this system is not available for general public searching.

What's Included in a Maui County Court Record?

Court records in Maui County contain various documents and information depending on the case type and court of jurisdiction. A comprehensive court record typically includes:

For Civil Cases:

Complaint or petition initiating the action
Summons and proof of service
Answers and counterclaims
Motions and supporting memoranda
Exhibits and evidence admitted at trial
Court orders and judgments
Transcripts of proceedings (when prepared)
Settlement agreements (if not sealed)
Appeal documents (if applicable)

For Criminal Cases:

Charging documents (indictment or information)
Arraignment records
Bail and pretrial release information
Motions and responses
Plea agreements
Trial exhibits and evidence
Sentencing information
Probation reports (often confidential)
Appeal documents (if applicable)

For Family Court Cases:

Petitions for divorce or separation
Child custody and support orders
Parenting plans
Financial disclosure statements (often confidential)
Domestic violence protective orders
Adoption records (typically sealed)
Guardianship documents

For Probate Cases:

Wills and codicils
Petitions for probate
Inventories of estate assets
Claims against estates
Distribution orders
Guardianship and conservatorship documents

Each court record also contains a register of actions or docket sheet that chronologically lists all proceedings and filings in the case. Pursuant to Hawaii Court Records Rule 9, certain personal information is redacted from publicly accessible versions of these documents, including social security numbers, financial account numbers, and names of minor children in certain cases.

How Long Does Maui County Keep Court Records?

Maui County courts retain records according to the Hawaii Judiciary Records Retention Schedule, which establishes mandatory timeframes for preserving various document types. These retention periods vary based on case type, significance, and statutory requirements.

Key retention periods include:

Circuit Court Records:

Felony cases: 75 years after final disposition
Civil cases: 10 years after final judgment
Probate matters: Permanently for wills and estate distributions; 10 years for routine filings
Land Court records: Permanently maintained

District Court Records:

Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after final disposition
Traffic violations: 7 years after disposition
Small claims: 5 years after judgment
Civil cases: 10 years after final judgment

Family Court Records:

Divorce cases: Permanently maintained
Paternity cases: 75 years after final judgment
Adoption records: Permanently maintained
Juvenile cases: Until the subject reaches age 25 (non-serious offenses) or permanently (serious offenses)

Pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes § 602-5.5, the Chief Justice of the Hawaii Supreme Court has authority to establish records retention policies for all courts within the state. The current retention schedule was established through Supreme Court Order 19-0000-1 and is periodically updated.

After the retention period expires, records may be:

Transferred to the Hawaii State Archives for permanent preservation
Converted to electronic format for continued storage
Destroyed according to approved procedures

Certain historically significant cases and documents are permanently preserved regardless of the standard retention period. Additionally, the court may order specific records retained beyond the standard period when circumstances warrant.

Types of Courts In Maui County

Maui County is served by the Second Circuit of the Hawaii State Judiciary, which encompasses several court types with distinct jurisdictions and functions:

Second Circuit Court
2145 Main Street
Wailuku, HI 96793
(808) 244-2969
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM
Circuit Court Division

The Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases, civil cases involving amounts exceeding $40,000, probate matters, guardianships, and certain specialized proceedings. It is the primary trial court of general jurisdiction in Maui County.

Second Circuit District Court
2145 Main Street
Wailuku, HI 96793
(808) 244-2800
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM
Hawaii State Judiciary

The District Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, civil cases involving amounts up to $40,000, small claims (up to $5,000), landlord-tenant disputes, and temporary restraining orders.

Second Circuit Family Court
2145 Main Street
Wailuku, HI 96793
(808) 244-2700
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM
Hawaii State Judiciary

The Family Court addresses divorce, child custody, child support, domestic violence, juvenile offenses, adoption, and other family-related legal matters.

Lahaina District Court
1870 Honoapiilani Highway
Lahaina, HI 96761
(808) 661-0970
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM
Hawaii State Judiciary

This satellite location handles certain District Court matters for West Maui residents.

Hana District Court
4974 Uakea Road
Hana, HI 96713
(808) 248-7986
Hours: Sessions held periodically
Hawaii State Judiciary

This court location serves the East Maui community with limited District Court proceedings.

The court hierarchy in Hawaii proceeds from District and Family Courts to Circuit Courts, then to the Intermediate Court of Appeals, and finally to the Hawaii Supreme Court, which is the court of last resort for state matters.

What Types of Cases Do Maui County Courts Hear?

Maui County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters according to their respective jurisdictions as established by Hawaii state law. The Second Circuit Court system handles the following case types:

Circuit Court Cases:

Felony criminal prosecutions (crimes punishable by more than one year imprisonment)
Civil lawsuits involving amounts exceeding $40,000
Probate and estate administration
Guardianships and conservatorships
Land title disputes and quiet title actions
Administrative appeals from government agencies
Jury trials in both civil and criminal matters
Complex litigation and class action lawsuits

District Court Cases:

Misdemeanor criminal cases (punishable by up to one year imprisonment)
Traffic violations and infractions
Civil cases involving amounts up to $40,000
Small claims matters (up to $5,000)
Landlord-tenant disputes and summary possession
Temporary restraining orders for non-family situations
Civil commitments for mental health treatment
Violations of county ordinances

Family Court Cases:

Divorce and separation proceedings
Child custody and visitation determinations
Child support establishment and enforcement
Paternity cases
Adoption proceedings
Juvenile delinquency matters
Status offenses (truancy, runaway, etc.)
Child abuse and neglect (Child Protective Services cases)
Domestic violence protective orders
Guardianship of minors

Specialized Proceedings:

Drug Court (alternative sentencing for substance abuse-related offenses)
Mental Health Court (cases involving defendants with mental illness)
Veterans Treatment Court (specialized services for veteran defendants)
Environmental Courts (natural resource violations)
Driver's Education programs for traffic offenders

Each court type operates under specific procedural rules established by the Hawaii Supreme Court. The jurisdiction of these courts is defined by Hawaii Revised Statutes § 603 (Circuit Courts), § 604 (District Courts), and § 571 (Family Courts).

How To Find a Court Docket In Maui County

Court dockets in Maui County provide chronological listings of all actions taken in a case, including filings, hearings, and judicial rulings. Members of the public can access these dockets through several methods:

Online Docket Access:

Visit the eCourt Kokua portal
Select the appropriate court (Circuit, District, or Family)
Search by case number, party name, or attorney name
Review the register of actions, which serves as the official docket
Note that some case types may have restricted access

In-Person Docket Review:

Visit the clerk's office at the appropriate courthouse
Complete a record request form specifying the case of interest
Provide identifying information such as case number or party names
Review the docket sheet on-site at no charge
Request copies of specific documents referenced in the docket (fees apply)

Second Circuit Court - Records Division
2145 Main Street
Wailuku, HI 96793
(808) 244-2752
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:45 AM - 4:30 PM

Court Calendar Access: The Hawaii State Judiciary publishes court calendars showing scheduled hearings and trials:

Navigate to the Judiciary website
Select "Calendars" from the main menu
Choose the Second Circuit
Select the specific court and judge
View upcoming proceedings by date

For older cases that may not be available electronically, researchers can request archived dockets from:

Hawaii State Archives
Kekāuluohi Building
364 S. King Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 586-0329

Attorneys and registered parties to a case can access more detailed docket information through the Judiciary Electronic Filing System (JEFS), which provides real-time updates on case activities and filings.

Pursuant to Hawaii Court Records Rule 10.1, basic docket information is available to the public without charge, though fees may apply for printed copies or certified documents.

Which Courts in Maui County Are Not Courts of Record?

In the Hawaii judicial system, a "court of record" is defined as a court whose proceedings are permanently recorded, with the authority to fine or imprison for contempt, and from which appeals may be taken. Pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes § 604-17, certain courts in Maui County do not maintain official verbatim records of all proceedings and are therefore classified as courts not of record.

The following Maui County courts are not courts of record:

Small Claims Division of District Court This division handles civil claims not exceeding $5,000 and operates under simplified procedures without formal transcripts of proceedings. While written judgments are issued and maintained, verbatim records of hearings are not created unless specifically requested by a party and approved by the presiding judge.

Certain Traffic Court Proceedings Routine traffic infraction hearings conducted under Hawaii Revised Statutes § 291D are not recorded verbatim. These proceedings handle non-criminal traffic violations through an expedited process without formal court reporters or audio recording.

Temporary Restraining Order Hearings (Initial Phase) Initial ex parte hearings for temporary restraining orders may not be recorded, though subsequent contested hearings are typically recorded and considered proceedings of a court of record.

Courts of record in Maui County include:

Circuit Court (all divisions)
District Court (criminal and regular civil divisions)
Family Court (all divisions except certain informal proceedings)

The distinction between courts of record and those not of record affects:

The method of appeal (de novo review vs. appellate review)
The formality of proceedings
The availability of transcripts for later reference
The precedential value of decisions

Hawaii Court Rules provide that parties may request recording of proceedings in courts not of record by filing a motion with the presiding judge, though approval is discretionary and fees may apply for this service.